Now, it's a much-loved holiday destination in Portugal, with strict new alcohol rules in place. Changes in alcohol consumption came into effect yesterday (Wednesday) in Porto, Portugal to curb public drinking.
A new “containment zone” has been implemented in the second largest city in the country. Between 9am and 8pm, alcohol is prohibited from being sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, wine cellars and souvenir shops. The zone covers the entire downtown quarter of the city, including the nightlife area of Lua de Galleria in Paris.
Beneficiaries who want to enjoy alcoholic beverages will be able to purchase them at nightclubs, cafes, bars and restaurants during this period.
The new rules are designed to address the “botteron” culture of Portuguese cities according to the Daily Mail. “Bottelon” is a Spanish term that gathers to drink alcohol on the streets rather than go to bars or restaurants, and can cause problems such as public anti-social behavior. The custom was born in nearby Spain, but now spread to Portugal, where it is becoming increasingly popular, but officials worry about destructive drinking.
This is as three major resorts in Mallorca force a ban on alcohol consumption, and Spain cuts happy hours, public drinking and alcohol sales from 9:30pm to 8am local time.
Officials said the “Botron” activities are “causing harm” and “impacting urban safety.”
Local publication Portugal News says venues that violate the new rules could be “closed soon.”
The mayor of the city said: “What we noticed is that the continued application of the fines was that paying the fines was worth it because the fines were low so paying the fines was not discouraged from continuing to violate the rules.”
It appears that stricter rules for drinking are on the rise across the region as UK tourists have warned that they can fine £2,500 for drinking and behaving antisocially in Spain. The measure was brought by Spanish authorities to crack down on the causes of violent behavior due to alcohol consumption.
